Soirée’s Guide to: Tipping Your Wedding Professionals
Do I Tip My Vendors at My Wedding?
Planning a wedding involves finding a wedding planner, caterer, photographer, and just about everything in between. With full expenses already coming in for your wedding and its vendors, it can be difficult to plan where all the money you spend will go, including gratuity. With all your vendors being the platform for your beautiful wedding, rewarding them for a job well done is appreciated!
You should tip vendors who have been great to work with through the day of service and the planning process leading up. Write 5-star reviews on Google or the vendor’s listings; these are a nice little gesture that goes a LONG way.
How Much Do I Tip the Wedding Vendors at My Wedding?
Here’s a complete guide on all things gratuity: which vendors to tip, and how much.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Brian Davis Photography
Feature Image Hair Stylist: Ambrea Manley, Fix Salon
Wedding Makeup and Hair Stylist
Makeup Artist: Melissa Banes
Model: Ashley Sierra
Photo Credit: Danielson Photography
This is an area where the tip is expected. Tip them just as you would at your salon, maybe a little extra for being flexible with the place and time you wanted their service to be done.
How much? About 20% – 25%, depending on the quality of service.
When? At the end of their service.
Catering
Photo Credit: Impact Photo / Joe Photo
Most catering companies already include a gratuity with the order. If they do not, it is recommended to tip the caterers, especially if they have servers that come to help.
How much? 20% of the total bill. Another option is to tip each chef $100-$150 and $25-$100 per server.
When? If it is not included in the contract, when they leave would be preferred.
Bartenders
Photo Credit: Logan Clement Photography
Should we tip our bartenders if there is a tip jar?
Unless the gratuity/tip is already included in your overall bill for bar services, yes! Even if you have a tip jar, you should prepare to pay 20% of the bar bill to the bartenders at your wedding.
When? If it is not included in the contract, pay this at the end of the night when the bar bill has needs to be settled OR whenever your bar service company requires final payment. Usually, this is 1-3 days after your wedding.
Delivery & Setup Staff
Photo Credit: Danielson Photography
Since so much setup goes into your big day, it is nice to slip a few dollars to anyone helping out. These types of vendors include people who bring important items to the site such as wedding cake, cupcakes (especially if it includes dessert installation), flowers, tents, restrooms, tables, linens, and chairs.
How much? $20-25 per person or $150-300 for each team.
When? Drop off cash envelopes the day before the wedding.
Wedding Ceremony Officiant
Photo Credit: Eleanor Kathryn Photography
Officiant is a toughie considering yours can be affiliated with a church or synagogue or might be a family member or good friend. Donating to that institution is greatly appreciated if it is a church member. If it’s a good family member or friend, giving them a small gift would be thoughtful and a nice gesture to thank them.
How much? Donate $75-$200 to the church or synagogue, and for the officiant, a tip of $100-$150. If it is someone close to you, a nice piece of jewelry or a thoughtful gift would be lovely!
When? There is no bad time to give the tip to the officiant considering it is not as expected. You can always hand it off to them during the rehearsal or have an attendant bring it to them.
Band or DJ
Photo Credit: CTW Photography
Tipping musicians is completely optional because it is up to you how they do. If they follow your perfect playlist and do a great job, it would be nice to throw them a tip, and it would be appreciated!
How much? 10-15% tip is a nice gesture for the DJ, especially if they bring a lot of heavy equipment. If you have a band, $25 – $75 tip per member is appropriate.
When? Tip at the end of the reception or as they are leaving.
Photographer & Videographer
Photo Credit: Danielson Photography
It is not required to give your paparazzi money beyond their normal fees. It is a nice gesture to tip each person, regardless if they own the studio. They’re still sweating on your wedding day to capture those gorgeous images!!!
How much? $100-$200 per vendor.
When? Tip at the end of the reception or as they are leaving.
Transportation Drivers
Photo Credit: Brooke Pavel Photography
It is definitely expected to pay those limo, shuttle, party bus, and trolley drivers! Because they provide safe rides for your wedding party, family, and/or guests – it’s someone to take care of and appreciate with a nice tip!
How Much? 20-25% is expected.
When? Give directly to each of the drivers for as many transportation vehicles as you have, either at the beginning or the end of their shift.
Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Okay, yup. This one feels weird to write about, considering we are your wedding planners and coordinators. Let’s try not to make this awkward.
Your wedding weekend team is there before the major things happen and one of our team members will stay late. We work VERY HARD to ensure your day will be amazing. We are a huge part of why you and your family can enjoy the day knowing everything is taken care of. A gratuity is never expected, yet greatly appreciated.
How Much? We have been tipped anywhere from nothing to 20% of the package price. Again, a 5-star review means the world to us; a tip is appreciated but never expected.
When? You can send us money through our Maroo Link, or you may prepare a sealed envelope.
Photo Credit: Justin Salem Meyer Photography
Last thoughts
Soirée would be happy to help disperse the envelopes when you are so busy enjoying your big day! If you did not plan that extra cushion in your budget for tips, there are of course other gestures that go a long way with your team of wedding vendors. Your wedding vendors do not expect a gratuity; it is more of a nice surprise for them! Post an online five-star review, write them a thank you note, or refer them to your family and friends! These gestures means so much!